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Richard Coz Obituary
Fr. Richard Tillman Coz, S.J.
Resident of Los Gatos
Fr. Richard T. Coz, 86, died of cancer on December 31, 2010 in Regis Infirmary, Sacred heart Jesuit Center, Los Gatos. He was a Jesuit for 63 years, an ordained priest for 52.
Dick was born in Fresno on August 24, 1924. The family moved to Alameda, where Dick attended St. Joseph's High School, graduating in 1942. He then worked in defense plants in Oakland and Los Angeles before joining the Navy. After his discharge in 1946, he attended the University of San Francisco for a year and entered the Jesuit Novitiate at Los Gatos on August 14, 1947.
Following studies at Los Gatos and Spokane, Dick was assigned to Bellarmine College Prep, San Jose, where he taught Latin and English. He recalled, "That year at Bellarmine [1954-55] was one of the happiest years of my life. I still have former students as friends." Theology studies were made at Alma College, Los Gatos, and Dick was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1958.
Upon completion of his priestly training, Dick pursued doctoral studies in economics at the University of North Carolina. In 1963 he began a 32 year association with Santa Clara University as professor of economics and director of the Studies Abroad program (1970-92) based in Durham, England. He was a very popular teacher (he was named Business School Teacher of the Year, 1990), a counselor, a rugby and soccer enthusiast, a photographer, a friend and mentor, and the priest who officiated at hundreds of marriages and baptisms. In 2007 alumni established a scholarship fund in Dick's honor. The "Pause for Coz" was wildly successful, an indication of the love and esteem in which he was held.
After retiring from university work in 1995, Dick returned to the high school classroom. He taught religion and business ethics at Brophy College Prep, Phoenix (1995-98), followed by a nine year association with De La Salle High School in Concord, where he taught religion and served as campus minister to both the school and the Brothers' communities. "Our boys have a fond appreciation for Fr. Coz's presence and ministry," wrote an administrator, "He is truly a cornerstone of our Kairos retreat programAs an instructor, we are thankful for all he does every day and would be much poorer without his presence."
Following a stroke in 2007, he came to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, Los Gatos, where he kept in contact with former students and faculty colleagues through correspondence and a steady stream of visitors.
Dick is survived by numerous nephews and nieces and his countless Santa Clara and De La Salle friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 6 at 7:30 PM in the Mission Church, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. Committal service will take place at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery on Friday, January 7 at 10:00 AM. Donations in memory of Fr. Coz may be made to the California Province of the Society of Jesus, P.O. Box 68, Los Gatos, CA 95031, or to the "Pause for Coz" scholarship at Santa Clara University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Coz
Michael Finger
January 13, 2011
In his years there, Fr. Coz made the University of North Carolina into an ecumenical place; for a year or so he lived in the Baptist Student Union there. An old mansion near campus had been willed to the Baptist Student Union. For a couple of years before they had the money to convert it into their Student Union they leased it to a group of priests who were graduate students at the time, led by Fr. Coz – some Jesuits, some Dominicans, as I remember, maybe a Franciscan, too. (I was, like Fr. Coz, a graduate student in economics, Catholic, but alas, not a priest.) I recall many pleasant conversations on the veranda of the old house, sharing Fr. Coz’s cooking, the wine that he imported on his own from somewhere in California. A dear, dear, man; always with a twinkle in his eye, often with a scheme in his mind. We were all fortunate to know, to love and to be loved by him.
Denise Malvini
January 7, 2011
Father Coz was an extrodinary human being.
May his light forever shine.
r godoy
January 6, 2011
Fr. Coz...such a huge part of my Bronco experience. Thank you and thank all of you.
Gino Velasco
January 6, 2011
I remember Fr. Coz with very fond memories, having had the fortune of being one of his students in the early 60's. Great times, great guy. May you rest in peace.
Diane Bateman
January 5, 2011
You will be missed by so many, May you rest in peace. God Bless your family at this time I know you left everyone with so many wondeful memories that you will never be forgotten. Love Diane
Mike O'Hara
January 5, 2011
He was so compatible with us rugby scrummers; a flock that needed more forgiveness and looking after. Fr Coz knew how to drink a pint of beer. He said a great St Patrick's Day Mass, and filled Mission Santa Clara to standing room only.
Mark McClenahan
January 5, 2011
Father was a great man with a big heart. He was such a fantastic example for all of us.
mark freschi
January 4, 2011
A great guy. He was there for a lot of people at SCU. He will be missed.
Steven Clark
January 4, 2011
Rest in Peace my dear old friend. I will truly miss you, your wit, and our meals together.
Joe Toste
January 4, 2011
Some of my strongest memories from Santa Clara (Class of 1980 and 82) were from Fr. Coz's classes on Macroeconomics and Labor Economics. The true legacy of Santa Clara is how strong Jesuits like Fr. Coz influenced and formed the minds of young people. God Bless.
T Dougherty
January 4, 2011
Fr. Coz was a fabulous man, wonderful friend and significant in my life. I will miss him and will always hold onto great memories. Bucky and others stated it well, well done. God Bless
Tim Dougherty
January 4, 2011
Fr. Coz, a fabulous man, wonderful friend and significant in my life. Miss him I will but will hold the memories always. Bucky got it right, well stated young man. God Bless
Bucky Canales
January 4, 2011
Fr. Coz was a great friend and a true shepherd. As a teacher he combined theoretical economics with its practical application by inviting many of his former students and industry contacts to serve as guest lecturers in his classes. I had the privilege of speaking on many occasions to his Asian Economics and Agri-business classes. It was always a treat to see Fr. Coz at SCU and be challenged by the students in his classes. His support of the intramural program, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and the lone fraternity on campus was greatly appreciated by the students that received a picture from him following a game or event. He did not always approve of our behavior but we understood that we were young and exuberant and needed to blow off a little steam now and then to relieve the pressure of school, youth and living away from home. Fr. Coz co-celebrated my wedding and called when my twins were born in New York to congratulate us. He insisted I apply for the Studies Abroad Program in my sophomore year and the impact on my life was monumental. I know many others - both men and women - that had their lives impacted by the help and support Fr. Coz offered in getting them involved in the Studies Abroad Program. There is so much more that can be said, but the real legacy of Fr. Coz can be found in the support of all those that have honored him by giving the Pause for Coz scholarship. Fr. Coz was everything that a Jesuit and priest should be - loyal, caring, challenging, open to listening, forgiving, supportive, and a shepherd in the truest sense of the word. He kept an eye on his flock long after it had moved on to new pastures and was always there when we came home to seek comfort. Thank you, Padre.
Joselito, Jr. Campos
January 4, 2011
With deepest condolences to the family of my guardian while I was in Santa Clara University in 1970-72.
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